Which type of business is eligible to claim a rebate?

Rebates are available for businesses with a current ABN that have 20 or less employees, where the business is connected to an urban reticulated water supply and is charged a non-residential/commercial tariff.

How does my small business get a rebate?

By purchasing and installing an eligible product(s) listed in the small business rebate claim form between 19 July 2011 and 30 June 2013, to improve the water efficiency of your business.

Once the product is installed you may apply to your urban water supplier using the Living Victoria Water Rebate Program small business claim form.

Claim forms are also available from product suppliers, local hardware, plumbing suppliers or garden retailers, your water supplier or by calling the Department of Sustainability and Environment on 136 186.

When do I need to use a plumber?

Where required by the Plumbing Regulations 2008, products must be installed by a licensed plumber who must provide a copy of the Plumbing Industry Commission (PIC) certificate of compliance where the combined cost of the product and associated plumbing materials and labour is $750 or greater. This includes rainwater tanks, dual-flush toilets, permanent greywater systems, hot water recirculators and other products as required by regulation.

What is a PIC certificate?

A PIC certificate is a Plumbing Industry Commission (PIC) certificate of compliance that is supplied by a licensed plumber. A PIC certificate must be included with your rebate application if the total cost of the product and associated plumbing is $750 or greater. Ask your plumber to supply you with a PIC certificate on completion of works.

Why is there a schedule of products?

As there are many types of small businesses across Victoria, the use of a schedule to set out the eligible products allows the rebate program to provide a range of products to assist many types of businesses. The use of a schedule also allows for ongoing review of the program and types of products that are eligible for a rebate.

Why is there no set rebate amount for each product type in the schedule of products?

The small business rebate amount is based on the total expenditure by the small business on eligible products and their installation. The small business rebate is based on 50% of expenditure up to a maximum rebate of $2000.

This means a business may install the number of products needed to best improve the water efficiency of the business rather than just installing a single or limited number of a product type.

It also means if the best water savings comes from installing a mix of the eligible products the business may do so.

Can my small business still get a rebate if I buy a tank but don’t connect it to my toilet, laundry or business process using water year round?

No. Rainwater tanks provide maximum savings when plumbed to the toilet and/or laundry or used for another year round use. Rebates are only available for tanks connected to the toilet and/or laundry or connected to a use within the business that has a year round water requirement other than the garden.

Do I need to attach my receipt(s) and proof of installation to my small business rebate application?

Yes. The original product receipt(s), plumber’s receipt and PIC certificate (where required) must be submitted with the application form. Check the claim form for details.

When does the product need to be purchased and installed?

To be eligible for the rebates described in the schedule of products you must have purchased and installed your products after 19 July 2011 and before 30 June 2013. Claims for all rebates must be submitted by 30 September 2013.

How will my small business rebate be paid?

Your rebate can be provided as a credit on your next water bill(s) or the payment may be requested by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) by filling in the relevant details on the claim form. These payments may take 10-12 weeks to process. You must advise your water supplier how you wish to receive your rebate payment.

How many small business rebates can I claim?

You can claim only one rebate for your business and the claim may include multiples of one product or a mix of several products. But each business is only eligible for one successful claim.

Can I claim a second small business rebate if the total amount of my first claim is less than the $2000 maximum rebate?

No, you may only make one successful claim. If this claim is less than the maximum rebate of $2000, no further rebate may be claimed.